Amid fleeting trends and viral hype, some products earn their place in the hall of fame as unshakable cult classics that those in the know swear by. Certain essentials stand the test of time, and while tracking them down used to mean scouring international retailers or crossing fingers for a restock, Takealot is making it easier than ever to get your hands on the icons.
We have curated our top thirteen products available on Takealot that have, in our opinion, secured cult status. Let’s get into it.
Few stories are as iconic as that of Sealand; the South African-made brand specifically focused on designing from upcycled materials. Known for its rugged durability and eco-conscious ethos, Sealand has gained a cult following among urban adventurers and conscious consumers alike, and they’re as internationally recognised as they are locally loved. Their classic Cross Body Bag is designed to be both practical and effortlessly cool, making it the go-to for hands-free convenience. Whether you’re navigating the city or hitting the trails, this bag is built to last—as you well know, we’re all about sustainable fashion that doesn’t compromise on function or style.
The Ordinary’s suite of super affordable products were my very first introduction into the incredible world of actives; those hyper-specific, almost unpronounceable ingredients that have taken the beauty space by storm. This was on a trip overseas, so suffice to say — when the brand landed on home soil, I was ecstatic. Hyaluronic Acid is a hydration essential; a powerhouse humectant that attracts and retains moisture, helping to keep skin plump, hydrated and supple. It is naturally found in the skin and works like a sponge, holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water to improve elasticity and smoothness. The Ordinary as a brand is a cult favourite that have consistently sought to offer advanced skincare at really, really reasonable prices— with accessibility being a guiding principle for the brand. Their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 remains one of its most beloved formulas, with its lightweight serum delivering intense moisture, and layering perfectly under other products, making it a staple for all skin types. Simple, effective, and endlessly repurchased—it’s a cult classic for a very, very good reason.
All imagery courtesy of Takealot.com
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
With its signature sweet, tropical scent and ultra-luxe texture, Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Bum Bum Cream has reached icon status in the beauty world. As an essential summer companion (as our Editor in Chief, Candice Erasmus firmly attests to), it’s infused with caffeine-rich guaraná extract; a fast-absorbing body cream that smooths, tightens, and deeply nourishes skin while leaving behind a sun-kissed glow. The addictive pistachio-caramel scent lingers long after application, making it as much a fragrance experience as it is a skincare staple. From beach-goers to beauty obsessives, it remains a must-have for anyone chasing radiant, summer-ready skin all year round.
Le Creuset Signature Casserole
The Le Creuset Signature Casserole is an heirloom. Made from enameled cast iron, this kitchen icon is revered for its even heat distribution, durability, and dreamy design; evoking cooking sessions amid undulating hills and the scent of sea-breeze in Provence. Whether you’re slow-cooking a stew, baking bread, or mastering a Sunday roast, this dish does it all. I am obsessed with mine in the shade ‘Meringue’ — it doesn’t leave our stovetop— and the rainbow of colour options adds to its collectable appeal, making it a countertop centrepiece as much as a culinary essential. With a legacy spanning nearly a century, Le Creuset remains a staple in kitchens worldwide, beloved by professional chefs and home cooks alike.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
Look, anything Charlotte touches turns to gold. Neither a foundation nor a highlighter, Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter is a category-defying complexion enhancer that delivers a lit-from-within glow. As one of our colleagues mused after her friend wore it out, “I literally thought she had a face filter on. It’s that good.” Actually inspired by the soft-focus effect of social media filters, this lightweight liquid can be worn alone, under foundation, or as a radiant topper. Its illuminating pigments blur imperfections while adding an ethereal sheen to the skin. Loved by makeup artists, celebrities, and beauty influencers, this product has become a staple in achieving the ultimate ‘glowy skin’ look—one that works with the skin instead of just sitting on top of it.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
It just makes sense that this Bobbi Brown Face Base has made a splash on TikTok, with fans sharing PSAs about how it’s basically a multifunctional primer and moisturiser for the canvas that is your face. It acts as the perfect bedrock to hydrate your skin before applying makeup. Refreshing, moisturising, vitamin-rich – it’s an everyday requisite even for those non-makeup days. If there was ever a more accurate, literal embodiment of a glow up, I haven’t seen it. This leaves your skin flawless.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
3-cleansers in one, 3-textures in one – ELEMIS Pro-Collagen has been a saving grace. This balm dissolves longwear makeup and residual pollutants while maintaining that vital and unbreakable moisture barrier. Another TikTok favourite that’s in the routine of beauty influencers as a staple. This comforting serum melts into a gentle oil with deep cleansing properties and this trio is topped off with a creamy dose of hydration. Pro-Collagen is a sensory experience: from the meditative application to the satisfying afterglow. Suffice to say it strips away none of your natural oils and its infusion of nourishing plant oils like elderberry and bee friendly starflower oil makes this product the essential beginning of your daily skincare routine. The freshest start? A spa experience at home? We think so.
The Dyson Supersonic cult is real, precisely because it’s revolutionary. Engineered with intelligent heat control, this high-tech tool dries hair faster while preventing heat damage, making it a must-have for anyone serious about hair health. Its lightweight, futuristic design and ultra-powerful airflow make blowouts quicker and smoother, while attachments cater to every hair type. The Supersonic is an investment that elevates everyday hair drying to a professional-grade experience, securing its place as the gold standard in beauty tech.
SKOON. Wow Wow Wonder 3-Hyaluron C Serum
Local, effective, and packed with glow-boosting ingredients, SKOON.’s Wow Wow Wonder 3-Hyaluron C Serum is South Africa’s answer to high-performance hydration. Combining three types of hyaluronic acid with vitamin C, this serum plumps, brightens, and deeply hydrates the skin, leaving it visibly refreshed. Its lightweight texture absorbs effortlessly, making it ideal for layering under moisturiser or SPF. Loved for its clean beauty ethos and potent formula, this homegrown hero has earned a cult following for delivering dewy, bouncy skin with every drop. We also love a product that is designed to look good on display; we simply have to bow down.
A backstage beauty secret turned global skincare icon, Weleda Skin Food is the ultimate all-purpose moisturiser. With a rich, botanical-infused formula featuring chamomile, calendula, and rosemary, it deeply nourishes dry, stressed skin. Makeup artists, celebrities, and beauty editors alike swear by its ability to create a dewy, luminous complexion, whether used as a night cream, highlighter, or even hand salve. Despite its old-school origins, its popularity has only grown—proving that sometimes, the best beauty products are the ones that have stood the test of time. Again, as a dry-prone girly, the way my skin drinks up its Skin Food during winter is actually life-saving. The thick, botanical-rich formula melts into parched skin like a comforting balm, leaving behind a dewy (and never greasy) glow. It’s the kind of product you can slather on chapped hands, dry elbows, or layering under foundation for that editorial-level radiance. As we said, it’s multi-purpose.
We still can’t get over the hero’s journey of Crocs; having gone from a polarising shoe relegated to ‘dads in the garden or at the hardware store’ status, to its fashion-forward presence today. The Classic Crocs Platform takes the love-hate debate to new heights—literally. Elevating the iconic clog with a chunky sole, this version blends comfort with a punk-ish attitude. We have it on good authority by friends who work backstage and on sets that the platform Croc has become the shoe of choice for those who prioritise both ease and statement-making style; basically, crocs is to creatives what Birkenstocks are to chefs. Whether worn ironically or sincerely, one thing is certain: Crocs are here to stay.
Suffusing ‘90s nostalgia with effortless cosiness, the return of UGGs is best embodied by this viral Bella Hadid street style moment. We love the even more cropped UGG Disquette; featuring the brand’s signature plush sheepskin lining and a chunky retro sole, it delivers ultimate comfort with a side of throwback cool. It’s truly giving off-duty supermodel, and the Disquette signals our continued obsession with luxe comfort—sleepwear as outerwear, forever. As UGG’s revival continues, this style proves that the brand’s cult appeal isn’t fading anytime soon.
The North Face Duffel Bag is a travel and adventure staple, designed to withstand just about anything. What can we say? North Face remains gravity-defying as an exalted icon. With its ultra-durable, weather-resistant fabric, and its signature cylindrical shape and versatile straps allow it to function as both a backpack and a duffel, making it perfect for everything from long-haul trips to gym runs. Its reputation for toughness, practicality, and with its notes of the ever-lasting Gorpcore aesthetic, the North Face Duffel has cemented its place as an essential for those always on the move.
Written by: Holly Beaton
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